Home Blogs Running Warm Ups: Exercises | Jackets | Runners Warm Ups
Running Warm Ups: Exercises | Jackets | Runners Warm Ups
By
Patricia | December 14, 2010
Running Warm Ups Exercises
Warm up exercises are necessary before any kind of workout and so running warms ups, are essential as well. Running warm ups are necessary so as to avoid any kind of injury. A good warm up routine leads to a better performance as well. Running is an exercise that increases the heart rate and also uses most of the body’s muscles. If you attempt to run, before doing any running warm ups, you are putting yourself at risk for muscle injury. Your stamina will also be reduced as the body’s muscles contract and relax very quickly while running. Some benefits of running warm ups include:-
• An increase in the blood circulation in the body – this is useful as oxygen is carried to the muscles even when your heart is pumping fast. This will help in increasing the amount of time you can run for. A good warm up routine will dilate your blood vessels and ensure that your muscles are supplied with oxygen.
- Warm ups slowly raise your heart rate, this helps to minimize stress on your heart, when you being to run.
- Warm ups also raise the temperature of your muscles. This results in optimal flexibility and efficiency.
- Running warm ups increase the amount of synovial fluid in your joints.
Running warm up exercises include:
- Cycling is another warm up exercise for running. This can be done on either a bicycle or a stationary bike.
- Stretching exercises- these are essential in any warm up routine. Keep your feet together and bend down. Then stretch your arms and try to touch your toes with your fingers. Hold this stretch for about 10-15 minutes. However, do not do stretching exercises on cold muscles. Do light aerobic exercise for about 15 minutes before the stretching exercises.
- Dynamic stretches are recommended for runners, for e.g., forward lunges. Static stretches are good too.
- Calisthenics are also a good way to prepare yourself for a run. Jumping jacks help your heart to pump more and warm up your muscles as well. Jump rope exercises are good as well.
- Warm up exercises can be anything that helps to increase the flow of blood to the muscles. It is important to warm up the arm muscles and the core muscles as well, as these are also used in running.
Running Warm Up Jackets
Ensure that you wear running warm up jackets or running warm up suits for your warm up.